Mayon Volcano Is Spewing Lava-Collapse PDCs Right Now — Alert Level 3 Still Up, Lava Flows Reaching Almost 4 Kilometers
Mayon Volcano in Albay generated an ongoing lava-collapse pyroclastic density current on Friday afternoon — the latest in a series of increasingly intense volcanic events that have kept Alert Level 3 in place over the Philippines' most perfectly shaped volcano.
PHIVOLCS reported that lava effusion continues to generate flows that have now reached 3.8 kilometers down the Basud gully, 2.6 kilometers in Bonga, and 1.3 kilometers in Mi-isi. These are significant distances — the permanent danger zone extends only six kilometers from the crater, and the lava is already more than halfway there.
In the 24-hour monitoring period ending Friday morning, PHIVOLCS recorded seven volcanic earthquakes, a staggering 344 rockfall events, and 13 PDC signals. Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at 2,199 tonnes — a level indicating active degassing from a well-supplied magma source beneath the volcano.
Pyroclastic density currents are among the most dangerous volcanic hazards. They're fast-moving avalanches of superheated gas, ash, and rock fragments that can reach speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour. When they're caused by lava-collapse — as in Mayon's case — chunks of advancing lava break off and cascade downhill.
Authorities have strictly prohibited entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, with additional restrictions in the extended danger zone. Aircraft are also barred from flying near the volcano. Ground deformation data shows Mayon's edifice remains inflated, meaning more magma is still pushing up from below. Albay residents should stay alert — this volcano isn't done yet.
Source: GMA News
